West Ham United has restated the Club’s longstanding commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion by adopting the Football Association’s new Football Leadership Diversity Code.
Developed in collaboration with club executives, players, coaches, media and leaders across the game to ensure English football better represents our modern and diverse society, the Code will see signatories tackle inequality across senior leadership positions, broader team operations and coaching roles.
West Ham is one of more than 40 Premier League, English Football League, Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship clubs who have pledged to follow hiring targets – rather than quotas – to encourage recruitment from across society, with the aim of recruitment being based purely on merit, rather than personal networks, and increasing the diversity in leadership across the game.
The new Code is viewed as a starting point towards greater diversity and, while focusing on gender and ethnicity now in reflection of the current player base, it will expand more broadly over time.
Paul Elliott, Chair of The FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board, said: "Many clubs are already doing good work in this area and we have been pleased to see football stand together this year to challenge the injustice we are seeing in society. However, positive and tangible action is required to drive change and take the next step. We believe the introduction of the Football Leadership Diversity Code will signal a long-term change for the English game. The number and stature of clubs that have already agreed to join us on this journey proves that together, with clear goals, transparency and a desire for action, we can shape a better future together. We hope more clubs join us as we move forward."
West Ham United is dedicated to listening, educating, influencing and raising awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in all areas of the Club, with EDI sitting firmly on the Board’s agenda.
Based in one of the most diverse area in the country, the London Borough of Newham, where 74 per cent of residents are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, the Club draws its staff, players and fanbase from across the world.
Every playing squad includes players from BAME backgrounds, with the Academy of Football comprising of nearly 50 per cent of players identifying as non-white.
Off the pitch, the Board is working with Equality Champions, who will directly influence decision-making at Board level to be implemented across the Club.
Club has created a Staff Equality Forum, advised by Equality and Diversity UK, and fully supports a range of schemes from grassroots to elite level aimed at increasing the number of BAME players transitioning into full-time coaching roles in the professional game.
The Club and West Ham United Foundation are also active supporters of a number of EDI campaigns, including Kick It Out, Show Racism the Red Card, the Premier League’s No Room for Racism initiative, Black Lives Matter, Stonewall and, in 2019, launched its own Stop the Hate programme.
For more information about the Football Association’s new Football Leadership Diversity Code, visit www.TheFA.com/FLDC.